Seibu Lions Set to Post Star Pitcher Tatsuya Imai: MLB Teams on Alert

Tatsuya Imai's Anticipated Move to MLB

The Seibu Lions are preparing to post promising starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Following a standout season in 2025, where he made 24 appearances with a 10-5 record, a remarkable 1.92 ERA, and 178 strikeouts over 163.2 innings, Imai is drawing attention from Major League Baseball scouts.

Contract Projections and Comparison

With MLB's posting system allowing teams 45 days to negotiate after Imai is officially posted, speculation suggests his contract could range between $80 million and $200 million, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Turning 28 next May, Imai is slightly older than Yoshinobu Yamamoto was during his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Imai's accolades in Japan don’t match those of Yamamoto, which likely affects his potential contract value, making a $300 million deal unlikely.

Potential and Challenges Ahead

Having previously seen successes with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), such as Yamamoto and Kodai Senga, Imai might attract substantial interest from teams seeking a capable mid-rotation starter. FanGraphs analysts Eric Longenhagen and James Fegan note that Imai has shown significant improvement in his strike-throwing and endurance in recent seasons. His fastball can reach up to 99 mph, complemented by effective secondary pitches like a splitter and slider.

Concerns and Considerations

Nevertheless, scouts have voiced concerns regarding Imai's relaxed approach on the mound, suggesting he may need to increase his intensity to maximize his performance. As he transitions to the MLB, challenges such as adjusting to a different ball and environment remain critical factors to consider. However, the landscape of free agency may present a favorable opportunity, as the current crop of free agent pitchers lacks a definitive ace, making Imai's entry into MLB potentially valuable.

A Season of Uncertainty

The upcoming winter may involve careful strategizing among teams and players with the specter of a potential work stoppage in 2027 on the horizon. Imai's journey will be closely watched by MLB organizations as he prepares to make the leap from NPB to the big leagues.